The above mentioned program was conducted in January 2013 when Standards Malaysia announced its initiative to help industry players understand and better implement halal requirements based on the Malaysian Standards (MS) in Halal.

With the objective of supporting industry players to become self-sustaining in halal practice, the Halal AQL Certified Industry Foundation Program (CIFP) was conducted as a pilot project under Standards Malaysia Smart Partner initiative.

It is the aim of Standards Malaysia to create a “culture of quality” in the halal industry and contribute to producing competent practitioners.

“We are happy to extend our role in the Halal industry beyond just development of relevant standards, to include industry research and helping raising awareness. This programme is a strong evidence to prove our contribution to the ‘graduate employability’ and endeavour in development of halal competence for our country,” said Fadilah.

“Standards Malaysia is the custody for Malaysian Standards (MS) and the development of standards in the Halal industry has been one of our pioneering and most successful endeavours where more than 10 different standards across the Halal Value Chain have been developed. Nevertheless, it is proud to say that those standards have been used by industry players and regulators such as Department of Islamic Development Department,” she further added.

To date, Standards Malaysia has developed more than 6,500 Malaysian Standards (MS) across 24 sectors and 60 per cent of these are aligned with International Standards, which means the industry players can improve the marketability and competitiveness of their products and services in both local and global markets.

Fifty participants underwent a three-day program at Knowledgecom Corporation, a subsidiary of Censof, involving six modules of intensive training and coaching sessions followed by a computer-aided assessment.

The training program exposed participants to fundamental topics and provided individuals with the capabilities to systematically apply the Halal Assurance Management System into their business operations. In total, 32 out of the 50 participants exceeded the CIFP qualification score and successfully attained the Halal AQL Certified Halal Quality Associate certificate.

In recognition of the halal industry as an inclusive business practice and to better understand existing gaps, the pilot session also included nine non-Muslim participants. Seven of the participants passed the training while five of them passed with distinction.

“I would like to apprise the message that such a programme or training is not only meant for Muslims but anyone who is keen and interested to take part in our initiative are more than welcome.” said Fadilah.

Nix Chung, the founder of C.A. Sheimer (M) Sdn Bhd (C.A. Sheimer), who is one of the five participants who passed the training programme with distinction commented, “Halal AQL is a very interesting programme as it provides me with a better understanding of the word ‘Halal’ as well as the whole industry. The knowledge that I gained from the training has improved my ability in decision making in respective of Halal matters.”

C.A. Sheimer was founded in 1976 and is one of the leading producers of flavoured and parfum elements and fragrance compounds, with more than 30 years of experience and expertise.

“Malaysia has a competitive edge in the development of the Halal industry. It has an open economy and there is a well-developed physical and institutional infrastructure. It is the only country where the Government provides full support in promoting halal products and services.

“Over the last decade, the Government has initiated various measures to develop the halal industry in Malaysia. We have gained global recognition as a leading Global Halal Hub.

“I am convinced that we can achieve the objectives of transforming our economies through the Halal AQL Programme if we persevere in mobilizing our energies towards economic growth and prosperity.” commented Ameer.